The historic and tourist religious site, Sundaradevi Temple, located in Shantinagar Rural Municipality-3, Sukekot, has been largely overlooked. The temple, with its long history dating back to 1854, has suffered from poor road access and minimal promotion efforts.
Resident Arjun BK shared that despite the temple’s rich history, it has not been effectively promoted. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of its visitors and holds significant religious importance due to the legend that Sundaradevi resides there. The scenic location of the temple, surrounded by lush forests, makes it an attractive spot for tourists, offering views of Sisne, Muktinath, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Jaljala, and other mountains.
“The legend says that Sundaradevi grants wishes to those who visit the temple,” BK mentioned. “Not only that, but from here, one can view various mountains, the Terai, and hills, making it a potential tourism hub.”
The temple also offers a vantage point to observe major markets in Dang, including Ghorahi, Tulsipur, and Narayanpur, as well as the entire Dang region. Pujari Lokprasad Upadhyay noted that the temple hosts fairs twice a year during Dashain’s Panchami to Ashtami.
The temple is 11 kilometers from Shantinagar Rural Municipality, but the road remains unpaved. A trip that could take half an hour currently takes an hour due to the road conditions. Efforts are underway to improve the road from Jumlekula to Sukekot, which will ease access once completed.
A Dharamshala has been constructed at the temple site, but locals complain about the lack of attention from local and state governments for the temple’s conservation, promotion, and development. They believe the temple’s significance will remain underappreciated until proper road access and promotion are established.
Shantinagar Rural Municipality Chairman Pramod Basnet highlighted plans to promote the temple, aiming to make it a key tourist destination for the entire Dang district. He mentioned preparations to establish homestays in the area and explore the potential for paragliding, coordinating with the private sector for these initiatives.
For the current fiscal year, Lumbini Province has allocated a budget of NPR 1 million for infrastructure development at Sundaradevi Temple, as stated by Provincial Assembly Member Dhan Bahadur Maski. The goal is to develop the temple into a major tourist hub.
